GCC Starts Today – Every Watt Counts!

January 26, 2007

Members of the GCC committee lined up on stage during the GCC launch Assembly

The Green Cup Challenge (GCC), a monthlong high school competition to reduce energy consumption and raise awareness of global warming, has grown tremendously from last year's three participating schools to 15 in 2007.

The GCC launched formally today during Assembly period. The Assembly Hall resonated with laughter as the students watched three videos – from Exeter, Millbrook School and The Hotchkiss School. While the themes of the videos focused on the seriousness of the GCC – saving energy and fighting global warming – the presentations varied from giggle-worthy to hilarious.

The Hotchkiss video stars a rap-style character swatting away with a flyswatter at students who don't recycle. In the Millbrook School video, one student takes to the woods and emerges after 6 months with a wild-eyed, daft stare, and a totally changed life view.

Exeter's video takes a newsy approach, with an investigative reporter traveling across campus looking for answers to serious energy questions, such as "Is there a gene that drives energy consumption?" En route, he discovers Principal Tingley, resident Hobbitologist, who gives him some serious advice. That happens just before Tingley starts leading the Orc army. If the plot seems a bit unclear – well, that's all part of the fun. And, if you're not sure what the Orc army is, perhaps you should brush up on your Tolkien? Better yet, consider enrolling in English 480: "Fellowship and Fantasy: J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis", taught by none other than Exeter's resident Hobbitologist.

Each of the participating schools has produced a video. Students can vote for best video for 2007.

Check out the videos from the 15 schools...
Learn more about the GCC...

Learn more about Exeter's English department offerings...